Enjoying the Journey of 2023, [or] Not a Year-End Report
No end-of-year reports or progress-oriented resolutions here. Just reflecting on the memories and manifesting positive vibes.
Happy 5th day of 2024! What are you excited about this year? Rather than making resolutions, I am asking myself how I want to feel this year. What type of experiences do I want to have? How can I best enjoy the journey of living - creating art, savoring the moments with family and friends, and challenging myself without labeling the outcomes as “successes” or “failures”?
This past year is one I’ll always look back on. I got married, and like they say, it was the most love and joy-filled day I’ve ever experienced. But in many ways, things have stayed the same. I’ve read parts of my short story and novel at local literary events, which is something I’ve discovered I greatly enjoy. I’ve also dealt with a chronic health issue, rheumatoid arthritis, as I have since the start of the pandemic. I am finally learning to manage it, through a combination of medication, strength training, and ergonomic habits that allow me to work at the computer and write.
I share this because a year includes so many ups and downs, and online it’s easy to only catch sight of the ups. But even the downs have something to teach us, some small way of nudging us towards a new path, or a better version of ourselves.
Our growth and evolution can’t always be summarized in a list of 2023’s greatest hits and achievements. Yes, it’s fun to add up how many minutes we spent listening to music, how many pages of books we read, as well as more serious accomplishments. Most of us, myself included, don’t take enough time to celebrate the wins, both big and small. Of course, it’s rewarding to reflect on what you’ve achieved. But also, who’s counting?
Our days, months, and years are more than how many books you read, articles you published, or countries you visited, or [insert any additional way to track progress]! And if you didn’t reach whatever milestones seem to be populating your Instagram feed, that is just fine.
If you were present with your family, friends or pets; showed up for a job, volunteer gig, or hobby you love; created art, writing, or photographs for just yourself — that is enough. In fact, that’s amazing. That’s the best way we can hope to spend our days.
Alternative to the progress-tracking approach, I’ve been enjoying the IN/OUT lists being posted online. It’s a fun way to leave behind what we don’t need from 2023 and usher in the vibes we want for 2024. Here are some of mine.
IN:
cozy candles
trusting the process
enjoying the journey and the destination
going to bed early
manifesting joy
going to see more musicals, plays, art
OUT:
comparing myself to others
negative self-talk
feeling guilty
staying up late
fast/ non-sustainable fashion
shopping on Amazon (as little as I can manage!)
In the spirit of saying goodbye to 2023, here are some of my most beautiful moments from this past year. A mix of both the big ones and small. Wishing you a peaceful and healthy start to 2024!
